In a message dated 1/18/02 5:34:27 PM US Eastern Standard Time, elasley@sigecom.net writes: > As for the epoxy stopping the water from wicking up from the ground, that > may be a good thing. At least not much moisture can wick up into the > stone, and what does can escape through the front, back & sides. The epoxy > in the break may even stop the wicking process. As the sun heats the top > part of the stone, the epoxy may prevent it from drawing moisture from the > ground. (the wicking process) And I tend to agree with you about > waterproofing the top of the stone, that it would do more good than harm. > > Ernie > > Ernie, Preserving the life of Tombstones is our main goal I see that you understand about waterproofing above the Epoxied Break. I think I should make my self perfectly clear that I DO NOT CONDONE IN ANY WAY, WATERPROOFING A STONE THAT HAS NOT BEEN EPOXIED. I have taken a piece of broken Marble Tombstone, and a piece of Limestone from scrap and Applied Epoxy to each and joined the Limestone together, and Marble pieces together and set the joined 4 inch pieces of each in 1 inch of water for 48 hours. This is what we do in water absorption tests on building materials and file reports to the Architect for approval about how many CC of water is absorbed in a given time. After 48 hours there was absolutely no water in the top pieces of the joined stones, proving the water will not "wick" above the Mastico Epoxy. Therefore the water will disperse through the sides, back and front at the "repair" as you said. Since there is no water "wicking" up, it will not hurt to cover all 4 sides of the stone from that point up, being very careful not to get waterproofing on the lower part. If the Restoreationists want's to add life to the upper part of the stone, clean it as best as possible and Waterproof the upper part as I have outlined. No short cuts, and DO NOT GO BELOW THE REPAIR. If the top area cannot absorb water, you do not have to be concerned with water dispersal. I deliberately poured water on the stone in the memorial at old St. Peters Cem., only the bottom 3 inches absorbed any water. it will soon have been there 1 1/2 years. Unfortunately after 2 days of rain I found the bottom dark with water discoloration, but the top was just as white as when I installed it. Let common sense rule. For those that choose to use Stainless steel, that is their choice. We all do the best we can. Sincerely Jack E. Briles sr. jb502000@aol.com